In my last post I shared three simple guidelines for a successful brainstorm: Generate Heat, Pump Oxygen into the Room and Fuel for Thought. In this post, we’re going to take a deeper look at the concept of Fuel for Thought and discuss how proper planning can allow you to generate bigger, bolder ideas as a group. Though […]

Improv is most commonly thought of as a comedy incubator, the starting point for future great comic stars like Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and Keegan Michael Key. But the principles of improv are also being adopted for business training and I believe that some of the best aspects of improv like being flexible, really listening […]

The outcomes at the Holmes Report 2017 North American SABRE Awards weren’t what we hoped. Our company was recognized in many ways: top five midsize agency to work for in North America, finalist for Corporate/B2B agency of the year, and national finalists for campaigns with Donate Life Ohio (Non-Profit Organization) and Highlights for Children (Branded […]

The sun is shining, birds chirp and spring flowers sway in the breeze. You sit at your computer and stare out the window – willing nature’s bounty to bring inspiration. Yet, another 20 minutes pass without a single sentence flowing from your brain and through your fingertips. You feel stuck, stalled and frustrated, believing every […]

The end of the year is typically when we take a look back on our communications efforts and make plans for the year ahead. But when it comes to social media strategy, those plans should not be something that is set once and forgotten. When was the last time you took a look at who […]

“Coffee Talk With Linda Richman” was a character sketch Mike Myers created during his time on SNL. I loved the silly chat show when it aired in the early 1990’s. (So stamp a date on me [shrugs].) A recurring gag was to occupy the audience with a paradox for a beat or two as the […]

As direct marketers, we work hard to build and curate the contacts in our database and segmented lists are among our most treasured assets. We cultivate and nurture them. We work to understand what it is that will resonate with each of them as individuals. And we try to provide relevant content that inspires them to […]

When Forbes has a headline like, “Why Cleveland Is America’s Hottest City Right Now,” you know it’s been a big year. From the Cavalier’s NBA Championship win to hosting the Republican National Convention, it is safe to say that Cleveland has made it to the big leagues.

Upon reflection of the year in B2B marketing: 2016 version, it seems too many marketers have their backs turned toward their customers and prospects. Corporate marketing and communications teams are so focused on internal initiatives and processes that they’re missing opportunities based on prospects’ interests and actions. It’s time to start looking at the world […]